Global Peace Summit Marks 10th Anniversary with Over 100,000 Attendees

In a remarkable display of commitment to world peace, over 100,000 people gathered in Gapyeong-gun, Korea, for the 10th anniversary of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Peace Summit. The event, held under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC), focused on 'Building a Global Community of Peace through Regional Cooperation.'

Led by HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee, the summit brought together global leaders, including Great Dharma Master Hyecheon of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and José Honorio da Costa Ferreira Jerónimo, East Timor's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture. The gathering celebrated a decade of peace-building efforts and laid out strategies for future global unity.

Chairman Lee's speech emphasized the need for unity, urging attendees to 'unite to save the global village' and 'leave behind a valuable legacy of peace for future generations.' This call to action reflects the summit's core mission of fostering international cooperation and understanding.

A significant development announced at the summit was HWPL's plan to establish a 'regional network' for peace, tailored to local characteristics. This initiative aims to address specific threats to peace and consolidate collective capabilities across different regions. To support this goal, HWPL has formed partnerships with intergovernmental organizations such as the Group of Seven Plus (G7+) and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO).

The summit also saw the launch of the nationwide 'Accompany: Connecting Korea' campaign, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This campaign, involving over 230 civic organizations, seeks to bridge cultural gaps across generations and promote diverse peace activities. It builds upon the legacy of the Saemaul Movement, which played a crucial role in South Korea's economic development and social transformation in the late 20th century.

The 'Accompany' campaign is particularly significant as it aims to address social conflicts rooted in generational, regional, gender, and ideological differences through social solidarity and cooperation. This approach could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar societal divisions.

Looking ahead, HWPL plans to hold various sessions worldwide, focusing on diverse groups to establish the regional network for peace. The organization is also encouraging individuals to become 'messengers of peace,' collecting and sharing messages of peace and unity from citizens globally.

The scale and scope of this summit underscore the growing global recognition of the importance of grassroots peace initiatives. By bringing together political, religious, and civil society leaders, HWPL is fostering a multi-faceted approach to peace-building that goes beyond traditional diplomatic channels.

As an NGO registered with the UN, HWPL's efforts highlight the crucial role that non-governmental organizations play in promoting global peace and understanding. The success of this summit and the launch of new initiatives demonstrate a growing momentum in civil society-led peace efforts, potentially influencing policy-making and international relations on a broader scale.

The implications of this summit extend far beyond its immediate participants. By focusing on regional cooperation and addressing social conflicts, HWPL's approach could lead to more sustainable and locally relevant peace-building efforts worldwide. As global tensions continue to rise in various regions, initiatives like this summit offer hope for alternative paths to conflict resolution and community building.